Pete Alonso is doing everything he can to continue playing for the New York Mets.
As he gets ready to become a sought-after free agent next month, the big hitter is a major reason why the wild-card Mets are still in the playoffs this October. With three home runs in four playoff games, Alonso has helped New York reach the National League Championship Series for the first time in nine years.
“Yes, it’s high-pressure situations — but this is the most fun baseball I’ve ever played in my life. There’s nothing like this,” Alonso said on Wednesday.
“Whether it’s win or lose, I’m ready for another one. This has been just a blast. We’ve been on such an amazing ride. After every game, yeah, I’m tired, but it’s like I can’t wait to show up to the yard tomorrow.”
In a way, tomorrow has been a big question for Alonso this season. Drafted by the Mets in 2016 from college in Florida, the first baseman has spent his whole career with the team and already ranks third on their list with 226 home runs in six major league seasons.
As one of the most popular hitters in Mets history, the Polar Bear is likely to surpass David Wright (242) and Darryl Strawberry (252) soon — if he stays with the Mets next year.
A four-time All-Star and the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, Alonso is represented by agent Scott Boras, who is known for exploring the market with high-profile clients.
Regardless of whether these are his last weeks with the Mets, Alonso is enjoying this unexpected postseason run.
He went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk on Wednesday as New York defeated Philadelphia 4-1, thanks to Francisco Lindor’s sixth-inning grand slam. With this win, the Mets eliminated the rival Phillies 3-1 in the best-of-five series, marking their first postseason series win at home since the 2000 NLCS.
“This is what you work all offseason for. This is what spring training and the regular season is all about. This is euphoric,” Alonso said.
Next, the Mets will begin the best-of-seven NLCS on Sunday, facing either San Diego or Los Angeles. The Padres and Dodgers are tied 2-2 heading into a deciding Game 5 in their NLDS on Friday.
